Receive a Refund for your Organic Certification Fees
This year, original funding levels have been restored to the Organic Certification Cost Share Program.
Organic Certification Cost Share Program
The Organic Certification Cost Share Program will refund up to 75% of your certification costs per scope of organic certification, with a maximum of $750 per scope. The eligible scopes are crops, wild crops, livestock, and processing/handling. Operations in California can also be reimbursed for 75% of their State Organic Program registration fees up to a maximum of $750. Applications are due by November 1, 2023.
Funds are available on a first come, first paid basis, so get your application in as soon as you have paid your inspection and certification fees for the year. Contact memberservices@ccof.org for support.
Eligibility
Certified organic producers and handlers located in the United States and its territories may apply for reimbursement. Expenses paid between October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023, are eligible for reimbursement. Operations with more than one certification scope may be eligible for more than one refund.
Eligible costs for certified organic operations include application fees, inspection costs, fees related to equivalency agreement/arrangement requirements, travel/per diem for inspectors, user fees, sales assessments, and postage.
Ineligible costs include equipment, materials, supplies, late fees, inspections to address noncompliances, and transitional certification fees. Other support is available for transitional operations.
How to Apply for Organic Certification Cost Share Funds in California
Collect and complete the following documents to apply for the Organic Certification Cost Share program (https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/organicprogram/costshare.html):
- Federal Organic Certification & State Registration Cost Share application (ORG-106)
- Payee Data Record Form (STD 204)
- Copy of your organic certificate
- Proof of payment: CCOF will support members in applying for both cost share programs by sending out a cost share summary itemizing eligible certification-related expenses beginning in late June.
The application deadline is November 1, 2023.
Submit applications by email or mail to:
- CDFA.ISD_Cost_Share_Program@cdfa.ca.gov
- California Department of Food and Agriculture
ATTN: Organic Program/Cost Share
1220 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
For assistance, email CDFA.ISD_Cost_Share_Program@cdfa.ca.gov or call (916) 900-5202. Additional information can be found at http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/organicprogram/costshare.html
DO NOT SEND APPLICATIONS TO CCOF.
How to apply for Cost Share Funds in Other States
Click here to see a list of cost share contacts in all states. Deadlines may vary by state, so double check with the agency.
DO NOT SEND APPLICATIONS TO CCOF.